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This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ocean carriers are raising surcharges as the Panama Canal continues to take precautionary measures in case of a drought.<\/p>\n The Panama Canal has been implementing water-saving measures to prepare for potential weather impacts from the looming El Ni\u00f1o climate pattern expected in the second half of 2026. A drought hit the canal in 2023 and 2024 leading to longer transit times<\/a>\u00a0and higher transit fees<\/a>.<\/p>\n In its latest draft adjustment, the major waterway announced that the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 48 feet, effective Aug. 26. The next draft is set at 47.5 feet, effective Sept. 3.<\/p>\n The Panama Canal had already implemented two separate draft measures<\/a> earlier this summer.<\/p>\n \u201cThese reductions represent the fourth and fifth draft adjustments announced by the Panama Canal Authority. The measures are the result of operational planning informed by lessons learned during the 2023\u20132024 period, as well as hydrological analyses and historical data that support the canal\u2019s operational decision-making process,\u201d according to a press release<\/a> from the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n Due to the ongoing draft restriction, ocean carriers have recently updated their previous Panama Canal surcharges.\u00a0Keep reading for a rundown on the latest fees.<\/p>\n Mediterranean Shipping Company<\/p>\n MSC raised its Panama Canal Surcharge from $100 per TEU<\/a> to $149 per TEU<\/a>, effective Sept. 12, according to an Aug. 12 customer advisory. Additional charges include $297 per forty-foot equivalent unit and $376 per 45-foot container, per the notice.<\/p>\n The surcharge applies to all cargo types for shipments between Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan to the U.S. East Coast and U.S. Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n CMA CGM<\/p>\n The France-based carrier updated its Panama Canal Adjustment Factor to be $500 per TEU for all cargo types, effective Sept. 10, according to a notice from CMA CGM<\/a>.<\/p>\n The fee applies to cargo from the Far East to the U.S. East and Gulf Coast via the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n Previously, the carrier\u2019s fees were $100 per TEU<\/a> for cargo shipping from Asia to East Coast Central America, North Coast South America, Caribbean and Manaus.<\/p>\n Hapag-Lloyd<\/p>\n Last month, the ocean carrier announced a surcharge from the Far East to North America at $130 per TEU, per a customer notice<\/a>. The Far East includes China, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and more. The fee went into effect on Aug. 15 and applies to all cargo types.<\/p>\n At the time, the carrier cited \u201clatest developments concerning draft limitations in the Panama Canal,\u201d as the reason for implementing the surcharge.<\/p>\n Ocean Network Express<\/p>\n